RUA'S cash BOX.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14508, 24 October 1910, Page 9

RUA'S cash BOX.

oF GOVERNMENT GOLD.

JJTTLE BOOM in BUSINESS.

Hst week Auckland, unknown PCK r p u 'was entertaining a remarkable 10 -iitettc from the Urewera-Rua's son "q A \ie »nd Kim's secretary and «-Hc aboriginal shyness. and apronounced S- O' in o, " looked at. they have fn! verv much in the background, and * fP , l'n the litv on Saturday without *** .« z Jl»v..r « leaving M r S it Coveniment House, but their ST im >'»" ' w ''" l I" " bE, » n,i "' Editions;..-. .ho 'akii.ff. "I —• A,,ckla°,t b tevins »cre [mm R.m •' l .- the I'reweia prophet. who. actordsrm°;;, reports in the district. ha, reeved for the recent land sale a far greater C ""T »n.-v .to is generally to 511 ,l" i, js even said that, the GovernlieVC t ' \vl.i- purchased about 90.000 to VSTOOO acres. "paid an average of somethin" like 12s M an acre, and that no i "tlrn £69.000 was paid out by the government agent in a tent at Taneatua. Rr lias riven orders for the building if about a' dozen houses at his settlement . Kutarere. on the Waimana River, and orders for doors, windows, roofing iron, „ nd various classes of timber have come , 0 Auckland: besides numerous other items from a needle to an anchor. In ' , Rua's claims on the freight, space of the Bay of Plenty steamer are said to have caused a mild congestion. Drapery, llre « material, silks, under-clothing, sewL' machines, bicycles (including some ladies' machines), and farm implements. are only some of the goods that have been purchased on Rua's behalf in Auckland dining the last week. Here is a sample of Rua's buying orders, as per telegram : — One perambulator, one cradle two ploughs, machine needles, barrel Stockholm tar. If. as is stated. Rua's people do not either smoke or drink, they should at least- have something to show for the money, and should escape the worst penalty of easily-gotten wealth. Rna professed principle in selling a part of his followers' lands was to raise capital to jarm and improve the rest of their land. It is known that he has bought heavily hi stock, having lately purchased at least 200 head of cattle, as well as carts, horses, implements, etc. He is said to contemplate the erection of a big store in the at arete settlement, whereat Maori needs will be supplied, and the community will be directed on something like Socialistic lines. No Maori may sell the land which Rua allots him, except to another Maori. Rumour in the district runs into big figores as to the area and value of the lands owned by Rua and his followers. It is even said that he has ten other blocks for sale, similar to that lately purchased liv the Government. The amount of Rua's own share of the proceeds is not stated, but it is said that he deducts 20 per cent, from every other Maori's share, for the benefit of the central treasury. Three weeks ago, after the paying-out, Maoris were confronting the local stores with three figure cheques; one man bought a cr.e-and-eightpenny article; • ami presented in payment c cheque for £210. Ihe bank branches also had a fairly sultry time.

Una and his seven wives have always made a picturesque procession, but now there is an added attraction. One of the sprightliest of the ladies carries about with her. beneath her shawl, a large cashbox, which, as might be expected, plays a prominent part in the proceedings. When Rua and his cavalcade and cash-box come jo town, the township thus honoured inoTs that business is going to happen ; and it does.